Custom Metal Art Orders – Part 2

You may have read our prior blog post in this series, Custom Metal Art and Orders – Part 1.  If not, click on the link to read about the information we need to start this process.  Custom metal art orders are easy, with communication being a key part of the process.

We receive your contact form

• We receive a text message the minute you submit your Contact Form.  The text lets us know we have received your information via email and provides a synopsis of your request.
• The email message contains the detailed information you submitted.  That’s why it helps us to know:
  • Your name
  • Your phone number (because we will call if you want us to)
  • Zip code so we can calculate shipping/handling costs
  • The SMW # – it gives us an idea of what you’re interested in as a starting point.
  • The dimensions you are thinking of for your custom piece.
  • Images you want to create in metal
  • A drawing or photo or how you want your finished piece to look

We will generally contact you by email

In order to provide you with an estimate, we need to know the above information.  We almost always respond within 12 hours, but usually sooner.  We’ll ask you follow up questions to your contact information and try to provide you with a cost estimate.  Frequently (especially with Word Art), the design will dictate the size of the piece.  That’s why it’s important to know your dimensions.  We like to keep letters at least 1 1/2 inches in height so they are readable and will cut.

The Design Deposit

We ask for a $50 design deposit to start the process.  This lets us know that you are serious about ordering a custom piece.  We use PayPal to send the invoice.  Even if you don’t have a PayPal account, it’s easy to use your credit card through their secure link.  PayPal does require fees to process payments.  These fees are recovered in our shipping/handling charges.

The Prototype

Once the design deposit is paid, we will create a black and white prototype.  We’ll send it to you for your approval.  At this time, we’ll also need to:

• Confirm your shipping address and phone number
• The patinas or special order paints for the finished piece.  We use a clear coat for finishing pieces.  If you prefer a satin finish, let us know.
• Hangers or holes – Let us know how you plan to hang your piece.

We will make recommendations on the best way to design and create your custom metal art orders.  In this case, we recommended a double layer.  The customer wanted to add photos to the puzzle piece.  So, a double layer would provide the backing and contrast to the top layer.

Your Final Cost and Shipping

Once you approve the prototype, we calculate the final cost (which includes cost/square foot and added hardware) and shipping/handling charges.  We have found FedEx to be the most cost effective but will ship to any carrier at your request.  We include shipping charges, box and packing costs, and PayPal fees in the S/H charge.  We’ll send the invoice via PayPal.

Shipping custom metal art orders will  happen 2 to 3 weeks from the time final payment is made.  We’re usually able to ship sooner than that time frame.  If you need it sooner, just ask.  If we can accommodate your need, we definitely will.

Custom Metal Art Orders are our Speciality!

About 80 percent of the work we do is custom orders.  Whether it’s changing the name on a sign we’ve already done or creating a new one, we can make your dream a reality!